Work has begun on the £11m Medway Park sports centre in Gillingham, Kent.

The project will transform the existing Black Lion Leisure Centre into a regional centre of sporting excellence.

The scheme has been jointly funded by the University of Kent, the Thames Gateway and Medway Council, and it is hoped that the facility will secure a deal to act as a pre-gamie training camp for the London 2012 Olympics.

The new facility will boast an eight-lane athletics track, a purpose-built gymnastics centre and a specialist centre for sports therapy and sports science support, in conjunction with the University of Kent.

There will also be a martial arts centre, a health and fitness suite and a sports hall with spectator seating. The existing swimming pool will also be upgraded and disabled access will be improved.

Howard doe, a spokesperson for Medway Council, said: “This is an exciting phase in our project to develop the growth of sport in Medway.

“We want to encourage young people to participate in sport and Medway Park will raise their aspirations.”

Surrey-based Wates Group has been appointed as project manager and the centre, which will be developed in phases, is expected to open fully to the public in 2010.